Guided rocking exercise device and method

ABSTRACT

An exercise device that rocks in a base via the movement of an extended stick-like member along which a movable element may be guided. Movement of the movable element can rock the stick and base.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) ofprovisional Application Ser. No. 60/765,817 entitled “Guided OrbitingWeight Exercise Device And Method” filed Feb. 7, 2006, which applicationis incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Invention

This disclosure relates to a rocking exercise device and method of use.More specifically, to a stick-like member affixed to a rocking supportwith a base or collar, the stick-like member also being a guide forhandles and/or weights.

2. Background Art

Tai Chi is a system of controlled movements which when properly executedis believed by practitioners to develop the internal life energy or“Chi” of the practitioners. Tai Chi is suitable for all age groups, isnon-jarring and can build stamina and strength. Tai Chi movements derivefrom a concept of “yin” and “yang” which roughly means opposing forces,smooth fluid controlled movements are a hallmark of Tai Chi. Learningthe controlled Tai Chi movements is accomplished through repetitivepractice.

Benefits of Tai Chi are said to include greater balance and Chi. Tai Chialso provides aerobic exercise, strengthening and muscle development.

A medicine ball is an exercise tool and workout which can provideweight-resistance through a full range of motion. A torso twist is oftenpreformed while carrying the medicine ball. The risk of uncontrolledmovement or injury may result from the medicine ball.

Sticks or poles are used in many forms of exercise often behind theshoulders or held horizontally in front of the body.

It would be a desideratum to have controlled Tai Chi movements appliedto the use of a medicine ball or weight element(s).

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In some exemplary implementations the present disclosure provides arocking guide which is a collar or base in which a weighted support withat least a partially curved surface rocks and/or moves orbitally on andan elongated member affixed to the weighted support useful for movingthe weighted support in the rocking guide. The elongated member may alsobe weighted.

In some exemplary implementations a stick-like member is affixed movablyto a weighted support with at least partially curved bottom. Thestick-like member can also act as a guide for handles, grips, bars, orother weighted or non-weighted elements which may include, but shall notbe limited to, balls, disks, cones, spheres, geometric or non-geometricor other volumetric shapes.

In some exemplary implementations a stick guided element is supported atleast partially on an elongated member which is connected at one end toa weighted support, the elongated member being useful to orbitally rockthe weighted support within a rocking guide.

In some aspects the stick guided element is guidable up, down and/oraround the stock member the movement of the stick guided elementelongated being useful to orbitally rock the weighted support within therocking guide.

In some exemplary implementations the weighted support has at least apartially curved bottom portion and the partially curved portion beingat least partially textured to impact the frictional interface betweenthe curved bottom and rocking guide.

In some exemplary implementations a stick guided element (which may beselectively weighted) such as a ball, disk, cone, sphere, geometric ornon-geometric or other volumetric shape is movably attached to astick-like member wherein the stick guided element is pushed and/orpulled through a range of motion. Changes in the positions of a user(which may include, but is not limited to the arms, legs, and torso)relative to a stick member, can be used to target different musclegroups.

Some exemplary implementations provide a selectable limit on themovement of a stick guided element.

In some exemplary implementations the weighted support is a sphere-likemember such as a base ball.

In some exemplary implementations the weighted support and rocking guideat least partially counter balance against the movement of the stickguided element off-set from center.

In some exemplary implementations the base ball or weighted support hasa substantially hard outer shell and is at least partially hollow.

In some exemplary implementations the base ball or weighted support hasa substantially hard outer shell, is at least partially hollow andcontains a weighted material that is substantially not fluid, such assand, pellets, beads and the like.

In some exemplary implementations the base ball or weighted support hasa substantially flexible outer shell, is at least partially hollow andcontains a weighted material that is substantially not fluid, such assand, pellets, beads and the like.

In some exemplary implementations the base ball or weighted support isat least partially hollow and filled with a weighted material that issubstantially movable, such as metal bearings, plastic beads, resins,fluids, cement, metal and the like.

In some exemplary implementations the base ball or weighted support isat least partially hollow and filled with a weighted material that issubstantially fixed, such as plastic, resins, cement, metal and thelike.

In some exemplary implementations the weight of the weighted support isselectable.

The weighted support is textured to lubricate and facilitate movement orto dampen movement. The weight of the weighted support provides inertialresistance to movement. Changing the radius, of the curved portion ofthe weighted support which contacts the rocking guide during use, altersthe center of weight when the stick member is offset from center.

In some exemplary implementations the curved region in contact with therocking guide has increased or decreased surface area in contact withthe rocking guide which may be used to alter the resistance to movementbetween the weighted support and rocking guide.

In some exemplary implementations resistance springs or elastic bandsmay be affixed between the top of the stick member and the threedimensional shape, such as a ball, disk, cone, sphere, geometric ornon-geometric or other volumetric shape to add resistance to exercisewith.

In some exemplary implementations resistance springs or elastic bandsmay be affixed between the weighted support and the three dimensionalshape, such as a ball, disk, cone, sphere, geometric or non-geometric orother volumetric shape to add resistance.

In some exemplary implementations resistance springs or elastic bandsmay be affixed between the base and the three dimensional shape, such asa ball, disk, cone, sphere, geometric or non-geometric or othervolumetric shape to add resistance.

In some exemplary implementations resistance to the movement of a stickguided member is through pressure elements such as wheels, springs,brakes, bearing or other frictional members which may be fixed orvariable.

In some exemplary implementations resistance to the movement of thestick guide member is through magnetic resistance which may be fixed orvariable.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be setforth, in part, in the descriptions which follow and the accompanyingdrawings, wherein preferred embodiments and some exemplaryimplementations of the present disclosure are described and shown, andin part, will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponexamination of the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings or may be learned by practice of thepresent disclosure. The advantages of the present disclosure may berealized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinationsof elements and instrumentalities particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the guided weight exercise device.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another front view showing movement of the exercise device ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the exercise device.

FIG. 5 is a front view of another implementation of the guided weightexercise device showing some possible movements.

FIG. 6 is a front view of another implementation of the guided weightexercise device shown in FIG. 5 showing some possible movements.

FIG. 7 is a front view of another implementation of the guided weightexercise device.

FIG. 8 is a front view of another implementation of the guided weightexercise device.

FIG. 9 is a front view of another implementation of the guided weightexercise device.

FIG. 10 is a cut-away front view of the implementation shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cut-away front view of a radiussed inertial member of aguided weight exercise device.

FIG. 12 is a cut-away front view of an implementation of a radiussedinertial member of a guided weight exercise device.

FIG. 13 is a cut-away front view of an implementation of a radiussedinertial member of a guided weight exercise device.

FIG. 14 is a cut-away view of a weighted sphere for use with a guidedweight exercise device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram view of a weighted object for use with a guidedweight exercise device.

FIG. 16 is a diagram view of a weighted sphere, with handles, for usewith a guided weight exercise device.

FIG. 17 is a cut-away view along line A-A of the weighted sphere shownin FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a front view of another implementation of the guided weightexercise device.

FIG. 19 is a front view of another implementation of the guided weightexercise device.

FIGS. 20 through 23 show a method of use of a guided weight exercisedevice.

FIGS. 24 through 26 show a method of use of a guided weight exercisedevice.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are front views comparing a to weighted radiussedinertial members with guided weight exercise device.

FIG. 29 is a cut-away top view of a hollow radiussed inertial member.

FIG. 30 shows an implementation of a cut-away view of radiussed inertialmember and rocking guide.

FIG. 31 shows a front view of an implementation of a guided weightexercise device with magnetic resistance.

FIG. 32 shows a cut-away view of the implementation of the guided weightexercise device of FIG. 31 along line “A-A”.

FIG. 33 shows a partial blow up of the top of the ovoid shown in of FIG.32.

FIG. 34 shows a front view of an implementation of a guided weightexercise device with frictional resistance.

FIG. 35 shows a cut-away view of the implementation of the guided weightexercise device of FIG. 34 along line “A-A”.

It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, elements shown in the Figures have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements areexaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, whereconsidered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among theFigures to indicate corresponding elements.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplaryimplementations of the disclosure, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto variously employ the present disclosure in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Shown in FIGS. 1-4 is a guided exercise device 100 with a sphere 110 (avolumetric shape) guided on a moving stick member 120. In thisimplementation the sphere 110 is preferably weighted. The sphere may behard, soft or flexible. It may be hollow or solid. It may be weightedwith viscous fluid, sand, beads, gravel, pellets, metal, resin, or otherweighted material. The amount of weight may be fixed or varied. Theweighted material may be moving or fixed solid. One or more weightedelements (such as the weighed sphere 110) may be added to one stickmember 120. The stick member has a top end 125 and a bottom portion 130.The bottom portion is affixed to a radiussed inertial member 135 such asa curved support. The affixation may be permanent or removable. Theradiussed inertial member rests in a rocking guide 140 set on a base150. The sphere may be moved around the stick and/or up and down alongthe line of arrow 1500 during use. The radiussed inertial member neednot be a sphere and merely requires a curved surface that is capable ofrocking movement within the rocking guide 140. The curved surface may becovered or textured to impact movement within the rocking guide.Different materials, such as plastics may have different lubricity whichcan impact the coefficient of friction between the rocking guide and theweighted support. Also, different textures such as bumps or divots alsoimpact the coefficient of friction. The rocking guide may also beselected of a material and/or with a textured to select the level offriction between the rocking guide and the weighted support therebyimpacting the resistance of the weighted support to movement in therocking guide.

The circumference of the radiussed inertial member 135 may be selectedto vary the function of the device. A larger radiussed inertial member135 can provide a greater surface area to move within a rocking guideand therefore offers greater opportunity to use friction within therocking guide to impact the exercise. Conversely, a smaller radiussedinertial member has a reduced surface area. A more heavily weightedradiussed inertial member also may be useful in some applications tocounter-balance the weighted sphere 110 (or other weighted element). Alarger and/or heavier radiussed inertial member may also have greaterinertia. When moving the sphere 110 and the connected stick member 120the inertia of the radiussed inertial member is available to act asanother resistive force to exercise against. The materials useful foradding weight to the radiussed inertial member are at least thosematerials which may be added to weight the volumetric shape (sphere).

FIG. 3 shows the movement of the weighted sphere 110 along an invertedcone shown by the path of arrow 2000 forming a cone angle. The invertedcone described by the movement along arrow 2000 is not a limitation forthis implementation. The stick member 120 and weighted sphere 110 canmove in substantially a half dome above the base 150. The stick membermay be removably inserted into the radiussed inertial member.

While moving along the inverted cone the weighted sphere may also bemoved up and down along the path of arrow 1500. The guided stick member120 is movable in complex arrangements, shown in FIG. 4 is a figure “8”movement, along the line if arrow 2500, of the weighted sphere 110.

Shown in FIG. 5 is an implementation of a guided exercise device wherebyextended hand grips 210 are affixed to the sphere 110 which may beweighted. The hand grips may be removable. Movement of the hand gripsboth up and down relative to the base 150 and left to right relative tothe stick member 120 is depicted along the line of arrow 3000.

Shown in FIG. 6 in an implementation of a guided exercise device and themovement of the sphere 110 which may be weighted and hand grips areshown through a circle along the line of arrow 2000.

Shown in FIG. 7 is a guided exercise device using a sphere 110 which maybe weighted, wherein the movement of the weighted sphere along the stickmember 120 is limited by a stop 310. The stop may be fixed oradjustable, the stop 310 may be a pressure clamp or a latching and catchmember.

The implementation of a guided exercise device shown in FIG. 8 providesa movable cross bar 410 affixed via a fastener 420 to the weightedsphere 110. The movable crossbar 410 can independently rotate around itsfastener 420, and rotate around the stick member 120, with the movementof the weighted sphere 110, and move up down, and all around theradiussed inertial member 135.

Shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is an implementation of a guided exercisedevice. The sphere 110 may be hard, soft or flexible. It may be hollowor solid. It may be weighted with viscous fluid, sand, gravel, pellets,metal or other weighted material. The amount of weight may be fixed orvaried. One or more weighted elements (such as the weighed sphere 110)may be added to one stick member 120. The stick member has a top end 125and a bottom portion 130. The bottom portion is affixed to a radiussedinertial member 135. The affixation may be permanent or removable. Asupport collar 510 mounts to the base 150 via one or more collar mounts155 which hold a bottom edge of the collar 512. The radiussed inertialmember rests in a rocking guide 140 set on a base 150. The fan angle ofthe inverted cone region through which the stick member and weightedsphere 110 move through is limited by the top edge 514 of the collar510. The radiussed inertial member 135 may also be weighted.

Shown in FIG. 11 is an implementation of the radiussed inertial member135 and rocking guide 140 on a base 150. A top cover 610 with anenlarged opening 620 fit over the radiussed inertial member 135. Theenlarged opening allows the stick member and weighted sphere, or othervolumetric element to move through a selected fan angle of the invertedcone region. The stick member 120 is limited in its movement when thebottom portion 130 of the stick member 120 contacts the surrounding edge630 of the enlarged opening 620. The stick member may be removable fromthe radiussed inertial member for storage.

Shown in FIG. 12 is an implementation in which the radiussed inertialmember 135 limits the movement of the weighted sphere 110. The rockingguide 710 mounted to a base 150 has an internal wall 720 which defines atail guide 730. A tail 138 extends from the radiussed inertial member135 and into the tail guide 730. The tail may be contiguous ornon-contiguous with the stick member. The movement of the radiussedinertial member 135, stick member and sphere, or other volumetricelement has limited movement defined by the interaction of the tail 138and the internal wall 720.

Shown in FIG. 13 is an implementation in which the radiussed inertialmember 135 limits the movement of the weighted sphere 110. The rockingguide 710 mounted to a base 150 has an internal wall 720 which defines atail guide 730. An anchor 740 formed as part of, or affixed to, the base150. A cable 750 is affixed to the anchor at a first end 752 andconnected to the center bottom 138 of the radiussed inertial member 135at another section 754. In this implementation the remainder of thecable 750 passes through the anchor 135 and is fixed, at a selectedlength via a second end of the cable 756 connected to a threaded section758 which passes through a threaded tension knob 760. The length of thecable defines the allowed movement or “orbit’ of the radiussed inertialmember 135 within the rocking guide 710 limits the movement of theradiussed inertial member 135, stick member and sphere, or othervolumetric element. It is within the scope of this disclosure to have afixed length cable that is not adjustable. It is also within the scopeof the disclosure to reverse the cable and adjust the cable length fromthe first end. The cable may be non-elastic (yet flexible), elastic,semi-elastic. A chain, rope, cord band or combination and the like maybe used in place of a cable.

A movable sphere 110 is shown in FIG. 14 has an internal guide 112 whichprovided a pathway through which a the stick member may be inserted.FIG. 15 shows an hourglass shaped volumetric element 800 with aninternal guide 112 which provided a pathway through which a the stickmember may be inserted. The concave and convex portions of the hourglassshaped volumetric element 800 provide hand holds. The movable volumetricelement, whether spherical, toroid (not shown) or complex, such as anhourglass may be a substantially stiff material or a more flexible orelastic material. The weighted member may be a combination of materialsboth hard and soft. The surface of the member, in some implementations,may be varied to obtain a desired tactical feel. Depending on usage anincrease or decrease in the frictional characteristics of the surfacefrom smooth to tacky may be desirable.

Another movable sphere 805 is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 has an internalguide 112 which provided a pathway through which a the stick member maybe inserted. Hand holds 812 are affixed to, or formed as, part of thesphere 805. Hand hold guides 814 are provided around a portion of thehand holds 812.

Shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 are implementations whereby a spring member 910or elastomeric member 920 is attached to a movable sphere 110/930 toprovide a force to exercise against. The movable sphere may be weighted110 or it may be non-weighted 930. In FIG. 18 the spring member 910 orelastomeric member 920 is indicated to be attached between the top 125of the stick member 120. A downward pressure on the movable sphere isresisted by the spring member or elastomeric member. In FIG. 19 thespring or elastomeric member 930 is attached at a first end 945 at theradiussed inertial member 135 and at a second end 950 to the movablesphere 110/930, or an elastomeric member 950 is attached at a first end945 at the base 150 and at a second end 950 at the movable sphere110/930.

Shown in FIGS. 20 through 22 is a method of using the exercise device. Auser 200 grasps the movable sphere 110 with is arms 2010 while standingon his legs 2020. The users trunk 2030 being between the arms 2010 andlegs 2020. By moving the arms 2010 and the legs 2020 and twisting at thetrunk 2030 a user can move the movable sphere and stick member 120support from side to side and around about the radiussed inertial member135. The users arms 2010, legs 2020, trunk 2030 and other connectedmuscles are thereby involved in the exercise. FIG. 23 shows the positionof the movable sphere 110 shown in FIGS. 20 through 22. The change inposition of the movable sphere 110 relative to the top 125 of the stickmember 120 is shown as distance one “d1”, distance two “d2” and distancethree “d3”. The movable sphere 110 can be guided during the user'sexercise, via the internal guide 112, up and down the stick member 120.

In other implementations the method of exercise can be altered bygrasping a hand hold 210 (as shown in FIGS. 5 through 8). Be grasping anextended handle the user 200 may increase the twisting motion andthereby target trunk 2030, back and abdominal area muscles.

Shown in FIGS. 24 through 26 is a method of using the exercise device. Auser 2000 grasps the movable sphere 110 with is arms 2010 while standingon his legs 2020. The users trunk 2030 being between the arms 2010 andlegs 2020. By moving squatting the legs 2020 the user 200 moves themovable sphere 100 from distance one “d1′” to distance two “d2′”, alongthe axis of the stick member, and thereby exercise muscles of the legs2020, and/or arms 2010, back and all other attached muscles. The userthen stand up and lifts the movable sphere 110 from distance two “d2′”to distance three “d3′”.

Shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 are force diagrams comparing an implementationof the device 975 with a more weighted radiussed inertial member 980compared to an implementation of the device 100 without a less weightedradiussed inertial member 135. The more weighted radiussed inertialmember is shown enlarged, a larger sphere may be more easily andeconomically weighted, however it is not a limitation. Additionally, aspreviously discussed a larger curved section in contact with the rockingguide provides a larger surface area to interact with the rocking guidewhich also can be sued to impact the movement of the radiussed inertialmember within the rocking guide. The radiussed inertial member may besolid made of a heavy substrate, or hollow and filled with substrate.Any weighted adding substrate may be used, aqueous fluid, particulate,gel, or solid and may be movable within a hollow radiussed inertialmember or immovable within. The amount of weighted substrate may bevariable. The increased weight of the more weighted radiussed inertialmember 980 as compared to a less weighted radiussed inertial member 135provides greater inertia. The greater inertia can add to the exerciseexperience.

To displace the movable sphere 110 (or other weighted element) adistance of “D” the user (not shown) must apply force to move the weightof the movable sphere 110 and to overcome the inertia of the radiussedinertial member 980/135. To move the implementation with a more weightedradiussed inertial member 980 with a mass “m” a force of “F” must beapplied. To move the implementation with a less weighted radiussedinertial member 135 with a mass “m′” a force of “F′” must be applied.Basic physics tells us that F=ma. Therefore, to overcome inertia and theresistance to movement such inertia provides, when m>m′ if acceleration(displacement) of the movable sphere 110 and stick member attached tothe radiussed inertial member 135/980 is a constant then the forceneeded to overcome a greater mass is a greater force. Accordingly, F>F′.Conversely, applying the same formula, to stop the movement of the moreweighted radiussed inertial member 980 requires greater force than isneeded to stop the movement of the non-weighted radiussed inertialmember 135 and F1>F1′.

The weight of the more radiussed inertial member 980 is in the range ofbetween about 0.01 and about 200 times the weight of the volumetricelement or sphere 110. More preferably in the range of between about 0.1and about 50 times the weight of the volumetric element or movablesphere 110, and most preferably in the range of between about 0.5 andabout 15 times the weight of the volumetric element or movable sphere110.

Shown in FIG. 29 is a baffled radiussed inertial member 3050. The cavity3060 inside the weighted radiussed inertial member 3050 contains baffles3070 which interfere with the movement of non-fixed material such asfluids and particles during movement of the device. The baffling mayalso be applied to the weighted movable sphere or other hollow movableelement being moved on, or in conjunction with, a stick member.

Shown in FIG. 30 shows a partial cut-away view of a hollow radiussedinertial member 990 and partial stick member 120, or the device, offsetfrom center. Inside the radiussed inertial member 992 is a non-movableweighted material 994. A first portion of the weighted material 995 ison one side of center and above “at rest” which is the horizontal line.The second portion of the weighted material 996 is below the “at rest”line and to the other side of center. The radiussed inertial member isshown in a not at rest state. The weighted material, and radiussedinertial member will move to “at rest” along the line of arrow 4000 ifthe force “F″” is removed.

Shown in FIGS. 31-33 is a guided exercise device 1000 with an ovoid 1010guided on a moving stick member 1020. The stick member is affixed to aradiussed inertial member 135 such as a curved support within a rockingguide 140. The ovoid 1010 may be hard, soft or flexible and it may ormay not contain additional weights. It may be hollow or solid. Insidethe ovoid are magnetic elements 1030 mounted to a spindle screw 1040which is held in a specific orientation within the ovoid via spindleguides 1050. A knob 1060 is attached to each spindle screw 1040 wherebythe magnetic element or elements 1030 may be adjusted relative to thestick member 1010 to increase or decrease magnetic resistance tomovement, by varying the magnetic field applied. Those of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that the knob, spindle guide arrangement isbut one of many different well known method for moving an internalelement within an enclosure and is not a limitation on the disclosure.

The stick member 1020 is shown as a multi-layered member. A spacer 1070which, may be optional, can be constructed of a plastic and functions tospace the magnetically attractive layer 1075 from the ovoid 1000. Theregion of magnetically attractive material 1075 and the optional spacerare supported on a stick member 1080. In addition to, or in lieu of, thespacer 1070, protruding spacers 1012 may also be formed on, or attachedto, the guide channel 1014 of the ovoid 1010 through which the stickmember 1020 extends. The placement of the magnet(s) relative to themagnetically attractive material 1075 will impact the amount of magneticfield applied to the magnetically attractive material 1075 and therebyimpact the resistance of the ovoid housing the magnets to movement alongthe stick member. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatthe number, shape, orientation, composition of, or size of the magnetsare variable depending on the intended usage of the device and theexamples shown are not a limitation.

Shown in FIGS. 34-35 is a guided exercise device 1100 with an ovoid 1110guided on a moving stick member 1120. The stick member is affixed to aradiussed inertial member 135 such as a curved support within a rockingguide 140. The ovoid 1110 may be hard, soft or flexible and it may ormay not contain additional weights. It may be hollow or solid. Insidethe ovoid are pressure wheels 1130 mounted to a spindle screw 1140 whichis held in a specific orientation within the ovoid via spindle guides1150. A knob 1160 is attached to each spindle screw 1140 whereby thepressure wheel (frictional elements) 1130 may be adjusted relative tothe stick member 1120 to increase or decrease resistance to movement ofthe ovoid along the stick member. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that the knob, spindle guide arrangement is but one ofmany different well known method for moving an internal element withinan enclosure and is not a limitation on the disclosure. Those ofordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the number, shape,orientation, composition, or size of the wheels or other frictionproviding members (including but not limited to springs, brakes,pressure plates, and bearing) are variable depending on the intendedusage of the device and the illustrations herein are not a limitation.

The resistance providing elements described above increase the forcenecessary to move or displace the stick guided element along, about oraround the stick member.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure herein involved, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description, as shown inthe accompanying drawing, shall be interpreted in an illustrative, andnot a limiting sense.

1. A method of exercise comprising: providing a weighted element guidedalong a stick member wherein the weighted element is movable both up anddown along the axis of stick member and the stick member is rockablewithin a defined invert cone of movement; the stick member being affixedat its bottom end to a curved rockable support; and, the curved rockablesupport being in a rocking guide whereby the movement of the bottom endof the stick member is restricted to the bottom of the inverted cone ofmovement during exercise.
 2. The method of claim 2 wherein a fixed guidelimits the cone angle through which the stick member may pass.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the curved rockable support weighs less thenweighted element.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the curved rockablesupport weighs more then weighted element.
 5. A method of exercisecomprising: providing a volumetric element that is guided along arockable stick, wherein the volumetric element is movable both up anddown along the axis of rockable stick and the rockable stick is movablewithin a inverted cone of movement with its bottom end at the narrowportion of the inverted cone; providing a resistance between therockable stick and the volumetric element to increase the resistance tomovement of the volumetric element along or about the rockable stick;the stick being affixed at its bottom end to a curved rockable support;the curved rockable support being placed in a rocking guide to limit therocking movement of the curved rockable support to within the rockingguide.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein a fixing guide limits the coneangle through which the rockable stick member may pass.
 7. The method ofclaim 5 wherein the curved rockable support weighs more then volumetricelement.
 8. The method of claim 5 wherein the resistance is selectedfrom the group consisting of frictional and magnetic.